Introduction

This brand new EACR conference will tackle one of oncology’s most persistent challenges: why do tumours adapt and resist therapy? Grounded in the core biology of intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) and cellular plasticity, the conference emphasises therapy in its broad sense – from targeted agents and immunotherapies to combination regimens. A central theme is the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) perspective: how treatment location and timing, shaped by the tumour’s spatial and temporal evolution and its microenvironment, influence outcomes and create opportunities for intervention. 

Join us in Lyon, France, as we bring together international leaders of the field to illuminate how tumour complexity evolves, explore strategies to identify driver cell states and dissect and rewire the tumour microenvironment, and examine cutting-edge approaches to counter ITH and plasticity. 

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Target audience:

Researchers, clinicians, and allied health professionals focused on cancer biology, translational cancer research, medical oncology, and immunotherapy who want to translate insights on ITH, plasticity, and therapy timing into better patient care. 

Topics to be covered:  

• Resolving tumour complexity in space and time 
• Driver cancer cell states: MICs, persister cells, and dormancy 
• Dissecting and rewiring the dynamic tumour microenvironment (TME) 
• Emerging treatment strategies to contend with ITH and plasticity (adaptive and combination therapies) 
• Where and when to treat: timing and sequencing of intervention 

Scientific Programme Committee:  

• Chris Marine (Chair) - VIB-KU Leuven Center for Human Genetics, Belgium 
• Toni Celia-Terrassa - Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Spain 
• Marta Kovatcheva - IFOM, Italy 
• Caroline Robert - The Institute - Gustave Roussy, France 

Lay summary of the conference topic:  

Tumours are not uniform; they contain diverse cell groups that can change over time and in response to therapy. This conference examines how these differences - ITH and plasticity - drive treatment resistance and what we can do about it. By studying where tumours grow, how they evolve, and how their surrounding environment influences them, researchers aim to design smarter therapies that stay ahead of resistance. The conference will cover tumour complexity, key resistant cell states, the supportive tumour environment, and new treatment strategies that adapt to changing tumours. The ultimate goal is to translate these insights into treatments that keep cancer under control longer and improve patients’ lives. 

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Above: the beautiful venue city of Lyon